Work Text:
The morning breeze chilled you to the bone as you locked the door to your apartment. Dropping your key into your bag, you turned and descended the stairs to the first floor. As you stepped out onto the sidewalk, you checked your phone for the time: 8:30 on the dot. Perfect. Just enough time to grab breakfast on your way to work.
You considered yourself pretty lucky; you lived within walking distance of your job, and while said job was nothing special salary-wise, it came with good benefits and you enjoyed the work you did. The Galaxy Team was a nonprofit organization dedicated to the study and protection of local Pokemon species, and Jubilife City was an ideal location for it. The city was close to several different environments, and the Pokemon populations in those environments were diverse and practically begging to be studied.
Your job, specifically, was to take care of the Pokemon that resided at the Galaxy building. These Pokemon were usually rescues, victims of habitat destruction or simply given up by owners who couldn’t take care of them any more. Occasionally, you would be given fieldwork to do, but you mostly stayed inside the city and kept track of the residents. You had a few Pokemon of your own, and your supervisor, a middle-aged man named Laventon, had told you on your first day that you had “a knack for working with the little buggers,” so it felt like a perfect fit for you.
Today was like any other day; the sun was shining, the Starly were singing, and you were headed to your favorite local cafe to grab a coffee and some breakfast before walking the rest of the way to work. It was utterly picturesque…
…up until you were staring face-to-face with a big red ‘CLOSED’ sign.
You frowned, taking a peek inside the cafe to see that the chairs were stacked on top of the tables. Were they closing for good, or just for today? A rumble from your stomach indicated that you should figure that out later. Sighing, you fished your phone from your pocket and pulled up your navigation app, typing in a search for breakfast and scrolling past all the chains. (You didn’t consider yourself a snob, but there was just something different about small, local places.)
Your thumb landed on a place called ‘Gingko’, only a few blocks away and in the direction of the Galaxy building. You pulled up their website; it appeared to be a new bakery, offering pastries of all kinds as well as cakes, cookies, and–perhaps most relevant to your current predicament–coffee. You took one last look at the map, memorizing the location, before taking off in the direction of the bakery.
It didn’t take long for you to get there; foot traffic in Jubilife was fairly light in the mornings. The building you found yourself in front of was old-looking, possibly historic, and the sign hanging above the door had a weathered look to it. It was almost impressive that, despite only opening a couple of weeks ago, Gingko looked like it had been part of Jubilife for ages. You glanced at your phone–8:40–before pulling open the door.
A soft bell sound, akin to the cry of a Chimecho, rang out from above you as you entered; immediately, the smell of warm bread baking met your nose, and you had to hold in a content sigh. The room you stood in was cozy, decorated in muted blues and yellows, and natural sunlight filtered in through a skylight in the ceiling. Antique furniture lined the walls; the pieces were mismatched, but somehow still came together to create a charming, vintage aesthetic.
You approached the counter, eyes focused on the chalkboard menus hanging on the wall, and contemplated what you wanted to eat that morning.
“Hi there! What can I get for you?”
You nearly jumped at the sound of the cashier’s voice; you hadn’t even registered his presence, fully absorbed in the menu. Now that you did register him, however, you were astonished that you missed him in the first place. His light blond hair was swept elegantly over one of his steel-gray eyes, and the corners of his lips were upturned in a playful smile.
Arceus above, this man was beautiful.
You didn’t even realize you were staring until he cleared his throat, that smile ever-present on his face. Flustered, you rattled off your coffee order; his gaze never left you, even as he wrote your name on the cup. “Will that be all?” he asked, setting the cup down next to the register.
Your eyes fell on the clear case next to the counter, and you briefly scanned the contents before settling on a croissant. The cashier nodded; as he rang you up, you glanced at his nametag.
‘Volo.’ Interesting name.
That playful smile never left Volo’s face even as he took your card and began to prep your order. You stood off to the side, watching him work. The croissant was ready first, its warmth seeping through the paper bag it was placed in. As Volo made your coffee, you took a bite.
If this was how the croissants were, you couldn’t wait to try the rest of the menu.
You sighed contentedly through your nose, savoring the taste of the pastry on your tongue. The croissant was perfectly flaky, its delicate layers practically melting in your mouth. You didn’t know how, but it tasted like home. Before you knew it, the croissant was gone.
“I take it you enjoyed your croissant?”
You nearly jumped again as Volo’s voice broke you out of your reverie; the cashier was leaning on the counter in front of you, smile in place. He gently pushed your coffee towards you, and you took it gratefully. “It was absolutely delicious,” you replied, smiling at Volo as sweetly as you could.
“Good! I baked it fresh this morning, just for you.” Although you couldn’t see one of his eyes, you knew he was winking at you.
You laughed, trying to fight the blush rising to your cheeks. “Well, thank you very much.”
Volo waved to you as you turned to leave; you felt his eyes on you as you crossed the room and left.
“Hope to see you again soon!”
Oh, he would.
Your visits to Gingko started off as weekly events. They quickly turned into biweekly events. Soon, you found yourself visiting almost every morning; everything you’d tasted off the menu was delectable, and you found yourself purposefully waking up earlier so you’d have time to sit in the cafe and enjoy whatever you got.
As you became a regular at the bakery, you also learned little tidbits of information about Volo. He always seemed to be there in the mornings, no matter how early you got there; you learned that it was his job to open the bakery and bake things that had been prepped the night before. Despite the early hour, he always made time to chat with you; this was how you learned that he was working on his dissertation at the local university during his off hours.
Intellectual and he knew how to work an oven. What a catch.
The second week you visited, Volo had already memorized your coffee order and began preparing your coffee ahead of time so it was ready for you when you got there. Alongside your coffee, there was always a fresh pastry waiting for you; at first, you had picked them out, but a few visits in, Volo offered to surprise you. The cinnamon scone he’d given you was life-altering, so you decided to entrust all future breakfast decisions to him. He hadn’t disappointed you yet.
Today, in a slightly different turn of events, you were visiting Ginkgo in the afternoon. You were accompanied by two of your coworkers; Akari and Rei, a pair of interns, helped you out with caring for the Pokemon. Your boss, Cyllene, had given the three of you the afternoon off, and you’d offered to take the pair to Ginkgo after they expressed interest.
You held the door open for Akari and Rei before entering the bakery yourself. You glanced to the counter; Tuli was behind the register speaking to a customer, and Volo was nowhere to be seen. You couldn’t help the twinge of disappointment you felt, even though it was completely normal that Volo wouldn’t be working all the time.
“So where’s your boyfriend?” Rei asked as the three of you got in line.
You blushed, shaking your head. “He’s not my boyfriend,” you protested. “We don’t interact outside of here.”
“I dunno, the way you talked about him made him seem pretty dreamy,” Akari teased, elbowing you gently.
Thankfully, the customer in front of you finished up their order, and you immediately stepped forward as an excuse to avoid continuing the conversation with your coworkers. Tuli’s eyes lit up when she saw you; before you could get a word out, she turned toward the back. “Volo! That customer you like is here!”
You felt like you might evaporate on the spot.
Rei snickered, reveling in your embarrassment. “Sure. Definitely not your boyfriend.”
Moments later, a familiar face appeared out of the kitchen; Volo’s sleeves were rolled up, and his forearms were dusted with flour. His eyes lit up when he saw you, and you couldn’t help the smile that formed on your face as he approached the counter.
A whisper of your name caught your attention, and you leaned towards Akari as she nudged you gently. “I get it now,” she whispered, almost conspiratorially.
Willfully ignoring your coworker, you focused all of your attention on Volo. “Sorry, I don’t mean to pull you away from work,” you greeted, leaning on the counter.
“Oh, it’s no trouble,” Volo replied, his signature smile on his face. “My shift is pretty much over anyway.” His gaze shifted to Rei and Akari, who were poorly hiding a giggle fit. “Babysitting today?”
You laughed. “They’re my coworkers. Cyllene gave us the afternoon off, so I’m treating them to a little snack.”
Volo’s smile grew, and he pointed his index finger into the air, a gesture you’d seen many times before. “I have just the thing for you, then! I’ll be right back.”
He whispered something to Tuli before nodding at you and your coworkers, then strode back into the kitchen. You raised an eyebrow, then shook your head; this sort of thing was hardly out of character for Volo, after all. Tuli rang you up, and you moved to stand at the end of the counter, your coworkers trailing behind you.
A few minutes passed before Volo emerged from the kitchen once more, carrying a small box in his hands. “Some sugar cookies for my favorite customer, and their entourage,” he said, punctuating his sentence with a playful wink at your coworkers.
You rolled your eyes and took the box of cookies, fighting the heat that rose to your cheeks as you passed the box to Akari. “Let me guess. Baked fresh, just for me, like you claim every other thing in this shop is?” you quipped.
Volo placed a hand to his chest in mock offense. “I speak only the truth!”
He held the illusion only until you started to laugh; your smile broke the facade, and the two of you broke into giggles for a moment. Volo sighed, smiling softly at you. “I should go. Research to be done, after all.”
“Have fun,” you replied, offering him a small wave. “See you tomorrow?”
“See you tomorrow.”
With that, you turned and walked over to the collection of chairs that Rei and Akari had set themselves up in. As you approached, the pair whispered to each other, keeping their eyes on you; each had a cookie in their hand, and the box sat open on the small table. “What’s got you two in a tizzy?” you asked, sitting down in the third armchair.
“Oh, nothing!” Rei replied with his mouth full.
Akari nodded. “We just…really think you’ll like the design on this last cookie.”
You frowned. “What do you…?”
You trailed off as Akari shoved the box towards you, putting the cookie in your line of sight. The cookie was decorated with a layer of white icing that shone under the lights of the bakery.
On top of the white, written in gold, was a phone number.
You whirled around to face the counter; Volo leaned against the doorframe to the kitchen, watching you from across the room. When your eyes met his, his signature smile formed on his face, and he winked at you with a wave before disappearing into the kitchen.
The blush you had been fighting all afternoon threatened to overtake your entire face as you turned back to your hysterically laughing coworkers.
This man would be the death of you.
Volo was a surprisingly casual texter; you didn’t know what you were expecting for a response when you first messaged him, but it wasn’t a string of emojis longer than the message itself. He mostly texted you in the evenings, when you were done with work and he was done with his research for the day. Sometimes, you would pause a conversation late at night when one or both of you had to sleep, then pick it up where you left off the next morning at the bakery.
(It was typically you who paused the conversations. You were convinced that Volo didn’t sleep.)
Every so often, you would float the idea of getting dinner together; unfortunately, Volo’s schedule was tight, so outside of the bakery, you didn’t see him very often. Of course you enjoyed your conversations at Ginkgo, but you couldn’t help but lament the fact that you never saw him outside of his workplace. You wanted to know the man you’d seen glimpses of behind that playful smile.
Fortunately, your opportunity would arise sooner rather than later.
The Galaxy Team had recently met a major fundraising goal; to celebrate, Cyllene announced that she was holding a potluck at her home at the end of the week. It was nothing big, but you always jumped at the chance for free food, and you hoped that Volo would as well. You texted him as soon as you got home that day.
‘any chance your busy schedule is open on friday night for a potluck w my coworkers?’
To your surprise, he texted you back almost immediately.
‘for once, it is! what are the specifics? :)’
You couldn’t help the fluttering in your chest as you sent the details over. Finally, finally, you were getting this man out of the bakery. You agreed that he’d meet you outside of your apartment Friday evening and walk to Cyllene’s together; she lived a short distance from you in the opposite direction from the Galaxy building. Your excitement grew as you sent him your address, smiling when he reacted to the message with a heart.
Friday rolled around, and you left work with a spring in your step; you spent the hours between work and Volo’s arrival getting ready for the potluck. It was a casual affair, so you didn’t have to dress up, but you wanted to wear something that stood out from your typical work attire.
Ten minutes before your scheduled meeting time, the doorbell rang. You opened the door to see Volo, carrying a tin of brownies and smiling brightly at you. He wore a white, short-sleeved button down shirt tucked into a pair of skinny jeans; a teardrop-shaped pendant hung from his neck, completing the look.
“You’re early,” you greeted, matching his smile.
“But of course,” Volo replied. “Force of habit from the bakery. The pastries won’t bake themselves, after all!”
“Right, right.” You turned back towards your apartment. “Give me one second, I’m gonna grab my keys.”
The walk to Cyllene’s was filled with conversation, mostly consisting of you priming Volo on who he’d meet at the potluck. Cyllene lived in a modest single-story house close to the edge of Jubilife, and you found yourself thankful that you’d decided to walk as you passed a row of cars on the street leading to her driveway.
You rang the doorbell and stepped back; a brief moment passed before Cyllene herself answered the door. She nodded curtly at you, then turned her gaze to your companion. “You must be Volo,” she stated plainly. “It’s good to meet you.”
“Lovely to meet you as well, Ms. Cyllene,” Volo replied, smiling his signature smile at her. “I’ve heard many things about you. All good, of course.”
Cyllene nodded in response before stepping aside, ushering you into her home. “Food can go to the kitchen,” she said. “Lead the way for him, if you please.”
“Will do!” You stepped into the house first and led Volo to the kitchen. He set the brownies down next to a veggie plate, then turned to you once more. You took the lead once again, heading towards the backyard.
Cyllene’s backyard was a bit more spacious than one might expect; she would occasionally take in Pokemon who didn’t get along with the others at work, and they needed room to run around. Currently, that space was being used by Rei and Akari for an intense game of cornhole; their Pikachu watched from the sidelines, just as invested as their Trainers. A few feet away, Laventon was watching the game with mild interest, and when he saw you exit the house, he smiled and waved you over.
“It’s good to see you!” Laventon greeted as you approached. “And this must be your friend from the bakery!”
Volo laughed, extending a hand toward Laventon in greeting. “I had no idea I was so popular!”
You rolled your eyes. “Only so many conversation topics in an office of four people.”
Laventon shook Volo’s hand firmly, smiling at the young man. “It’s good to meet you, Volo,” he said. “I’ve heard many things about you!”
“All good things, I hope?” Volo asked, nudging you playfully with his elbow.
“Naturally!” Laventon smiled brightly, adjusting his polo shirt. “I understand you’re pursuing a PhD at the University of Jubilife?”
Volo nodded. “That I am.”
Laventon leaned forward with intrigue. “And what is the topic of your research?”
Volo lit up immediately at the prospect of talking about his work, his smile growing even wider. “I’m translating the text on the back of the eighteen plates associated with Arceus,” he explained animatedly. “Then I’ll compare them to a selection of Celestican poems discovered across the region!”
“Fascinating!” Laventon replied, his eyes lighting up. “Do you mind if I ask you a few questions about your work?”
As the two conversed, you took a step back, simply watching Volo discuss his research with a fellow academic. Volo’s passion for his field was on full display, his eyes shining with enthusiasm as he answered Laventon’s questions. You smiled; you rarely saw this side of him at the bakery, but you loved it more every time you caught a glimpse of it. His excitement was intoxicating, drawing you in and making you invested in topics you’d barely even considered before.
A shout of your name snapped you out of your little trance; you looked over to see Rei and Akari waving you over. You nodded at them, then turned back to Volo. “I’m gonna go hang out with those two,” you interjected once a pause occurred in the conversation. “You two have fun.”
Volo nodded at you, smiling sweetly, before returning to his conversation once more.
You headed over to where Rei and Akari were standing, placing a hand on your hip. “What’s up?”
Rei snickered. “Sorry to pull you away from your boyfriend, but we’ve got a request for you.”
“Again, not my boyfriend,” you protested, blushing. “Anyway, what’s the request?”
“More like a challenge, actually,” Akari cut in. She held a beanbag out towards you, meeting your gaze with a confident smirk. “Cornhole. Me and Rei versus you.”
You raised an eyebrow, taking the beanbag. “Two against one? Isn’t that a little unfair?”
“Says the person with the best throwing arm in the entire Galaxy Team,” Rei quipped. “C’mon. You’d wipe the floor with us individually and you know it.”
“Fine, fine,” you acquiesced, walking over to one of the boards. “But don’t expect me to go easy on you just because you’re my beloved interns.”
True to Rei’s word, you absolutely destroyed the two; your experience throwing Pokeballs made you a veritable powerhouse at cornhole, apparently. After you beat Rei and Akari, a few other guests challenged you, including some people from the security department. You won against both Ress and Beauregard handily, but Zisu posed a bit of a challenge.
About halfway through your game with Zisu, you felt a pair of eyes on you; you glanced over to see Volo, apparently done talking to Laventon, gazing at you with a smile on his face.
Perhaps it was wishful thinking, but he seemed a bit lovestruck.
You smiled back, waving at him before throwing your next beanbag. If Zisu noticed the sudden blush on your face, she didn’t say anything.
The evening gradually winded down, people coming and going as they pleased. Volo’s brownies were, unsurprisingly, a big hit; Akari and Rei were practically begging for the recipe as they left. By the time you and Volo departed, the party had dwindled down to just a few guests.
“So,” you began as soon as you were a good distance away from Cyllene’s door. “Did you have a good time?”
“I did,” Volo replied. “Your coworkers are a lively bunch.”
“That’s putting it lightly,” you quipped. “You got along well with them, though, at least from my perspective. Laventon especially.”
Volo grinned. “Indeed. Our fields are different, but it’s always nice to talk to a fellow academic.”
“I’m sure you enjoyed talking through your research with someone who actually understands it.” You laughed softly, nudging him gently. “Someday, I’ll learn enough Celestican to read your dissertation.”
Volo laughed in return. “I appreciate your interest regardless, my friend.”
Friend. Why did your heart sink ever so slightly at that term?
The conversation continued similarly as you walked home; the city had fallen quiet as people returned to their homes for the night. Above you, the stars twinkled, and the streetlights posted every so often along the road bathed the sidewalk in a soft golden light.
You were almost disappointed to see your apartment building, slowing your pace to try and spend as much time with Volo as you possibly could. He accompanied you up to your door, a pleasant smile on his face the whole time. “I believe this is your stop,” he said softly when you reached your apartment.
You nodded, smiling back at him. “I had fun tonight,” you replied, reaching for your keys.
“So did I.” Volo gazed at you, placing one hand in his pocket. “I’d love to do this again sometime. Schedules permitting, of course.”
“Of course.” You couldn’t help the small bit of heat that flushed on your cheeks. “I’d like that a lot.”
As silence draped over the two of you like a shroud, you felt a sudden burst of courage; seizing it, you took a step forward and pressed a feather-light kiss to his cheek. When you pulled away, his eyes were fixated on you, staring at you like he was solving a puzzle in his head.
For a moment, you were scared you’d overstepped before he spoke up.
“You missed.”
You blinked. “What do you–”
He cut you off as he met your lips with his own, cupping your cheek in his hand. You squeaked in surprise before practically melting into him, your eyelids fluttering closed as you placed your hands on his shoulders. The hand not on your cheek snaked around your waist, pulling you even closer to him.
Volo sighed contentedly as he pulled away, holding you close for just a moment longer. “Will I see you tomorrow morning?” he asked in a whisper. You nodded, and he smiled softly before pressing a kiss to your forehead and letting go of you.
“Have a good night, my darling,” he said, waving goodbye as he stepped back.
Heat rose to your cheeks at the pet name as you waved back. “You too.”
You fumbled with your keys as he walked away, eventually managing to open your door and shut it behind you. The moment the door closed, you leaned against it and sighed.
Life was sweet.